Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park offers tourists an exhilarating experience in the awesomely beautiful natural forest of Bwindi. This forest is protected under Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is well known for harboring the largest population of the endangered MOUNTAIN GORILLAS. Starting early morning, trekkers marvel through the steep ridges and valleys of the forest looking out for the majestic apes. You will go through the dense vegetation, be led by rays of the bright sunlight penetrating through the canopy as you go on searching for the giant mountain gorillas.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is the prime gorilla trekking destination in Africa. With over 15 habituated gorilla families, trekkers have very high chances of having their dreams come true- coming up close mountain gorillas. This is where they observe and watch how these primates live in well-organized families led by silverbacks that take control of the whole group. On your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, get lost in the impenetrable forest to get the real feeling of adventure.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Travelers that have gone for gorilla trekking refer to the experience as “life changing”. From the moment they get on the road to transfer to the gorilla destination Bwindi in southwestern Uganda, there is something incredible to explore along the way; the equator in Kayabwe, vast deep green plantations of banana in western Uganda and the rolling hills of Kigezi as you get closer to the gorilla park.

On the trekking day, visitors heading for the trek rise up early, enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, get their lunch packed and head to the park headquarters where they are briefed about the activity including the do’s and don’ts while in the forest. Visitors are allocated to groups of 8 and each is led by an expert armed ranger guide of Uganda Wildlife Authority. These local guides help you to move around the forest in search of the mountain gorillas. They are familiar with the trails and will confidently take you to areas around where gorillas were sighted nesting last evening. But the gorillas are very nomadic, so they can be spotted far away from their previous nesting spot. For this reason, you are advised to pack lunch and energy giving snacks because no one is certain about how long the trek will last. 

How long does a gorilla trek last?

Gorilla trekking can last from an hour to half a day or even beyond. As earlier said, no one knows how long it will take for you to come to the end of the adventure. Rather, the location of the allocated gorilla family determines your trek duration. As you hike deeper into the forest, you may sight other residents of Bwindi Forest such as baboons, monkeys and various bird species. Once you come across the gorillas, you are allowed to stay with them for an hour. During this time period, the tour guide shares a lot of facts about these primates plus how most members of the family behave.

Later on, you will get back to the park headquarters to pick your gorilla trekking certificate and drive to your lodge for a relaxation after the strenuous hikes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located near other impressive destinations of Uganda and you can consider including some of them on your Bwindi Gorilla safari. It is very possible and more interesting to combine your gorilla safari with a visit to nearby national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Lake Bunyonyi.

Other Activities to Do in Bwindi

Cultural Encounters

Apart from gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also a dramatic setting for cultural tours. Areas around the forest are filled with different tribes of people but mainly the Bakiga and Batwa. Most cultural tours take place in Buhoma where visitors go for village walks, craft shop visits and enjoy cultural music and dance. Meeting the Batwa pygmies means being with the original people who lived in Bwindi forest and among the stories they share is how they lived, gathered and hunted in the forest. 

Forest/nature walk

With a local guide, take a walk around the trails outside the forest to see more of this beautiful tropical rainforest. There’s surely much more to explore on a guided nature walk. You will enjoy the scenic views which include the deep green forest cover and forest birds there. There is also a great opportunity to spot primates like the L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkeys and Vervet moneys among others.

Bird watching

Bwindi is listed among Africa’s best destinations for bird watching. With about 330 bird species, the park never disappoints bird lovers as it surprises with sightings of interesting birds including the African Emerald, white-tailed blue flycatcher and Montane Oriole.

Where to stay on your Uganda gorilla safari

There is a lot to plan for when getting ready for your gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi. And where to stay is inevitable on such a trip. Since Bwindi is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda, there are lots of lodges, ranging from budget to midrange to cater for tourist accommodation. They include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge, Buhoma lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi lodge, Mahogany safari lodge, Buhoma community rest camp, Lake Kitandara camp, Buhoma lodge, Bwindi guest house and Jungle view lodge among others.

Looking for a tailor-made gorilla safari to Bwindi this season? Contact us today through info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.